The Ultimate List of 9 Ground Cover Plants for UK Gardens
Posted on 20/05/2025
The Ultimate List of 9 Ground Cover Plants for UK Gardens
Transform your garden into a lush and vibrant landscape with the best ground cover plants perfectly suited for UK environments. These plants not only provide aesthetic appeal but also help in weed control and moisture retention. Below is an ultimate list of nine exceptional ground cover plants that thrive in UK gardens.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Known for its delightful fragrance and versatility, creeping thyme is an excellent choice for ground cover. Its dense mat of foliage and pretty purple flowers during summer make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and is perfectly suited to rock gardens or pathways.
- Low-maintenance
- Drought-resistant
- Attracts pollinators
2. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
With its lush green leaves and charming blue or violet flowers, periwinkle is perfect for covering large areas. It's ideal for shady spots where other plants might struggle. This hardy plant is robust and grows well under trees or in other difficult spots.
- Evergreen
- Low-maintenance
- Fast-spreading
3. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Also known as bugleweed, ajuga provides a striking ground cover with its dark, glossy leaves and spikes of blue flowers. It's extremely adaptable and grows well in both sun and shade, making it an ideal choice for a variety of garden settings.
- Rich, colourful foliage
- Attracts bees
- Works well in shady areas
4. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
This is the perfect choice for those seeking a soft, lush, moss-like ground cover. Irish Moss forms a dense carpet of bright green foliage that looks stunning between stepping stones or in rock gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and partly shaded areas.
- Soft, dense growth
- Low-growing
- Thrives in damp conditions
5. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is prized for its stunning foliage that comes in a rainbow of hues. These plants add a burst of colour to shaded parts of your garden and are drought-tolerant once established.
- Colourful foliage
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Great for shady gardens
6. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, or stonecrop, offers a variety of shapes and colours, making them versatile in any garden design. They are succulent plants that are drought-tolerant and perfect for sunny locations with well-drained soil.
- Variety in shapes and colours
- Drought-resistant
- Attracts butterflies
7. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Known for its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, Lily of the Valley is perfect for shady areas. This plant is an excellent ground cover and produces vibrant green leaves that provide a lovely contrast to its delicate blooms.
- Fragrant flowers
- Thrives in shade
- Tolerant of different soil types
8. Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)
Wild Ginger offers glossy, heart-shaped leaves and subtle purple flowers. It is an excellent choice for areas with heavy shade and moist soil, providing an attractive evergreen ground cover that remains beautiful throughout the year.
- Evergreen leaves
- Prefers shady areas
- Grows well in moist soil
9. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby's Tears is a lush carpeting plant with tiny, vibrant green leaves. It thrives in shady, moist conditions and can be used as an indoor plant or outdoors as a ground cover in shaded gardens, creating a soft, luxurious carpet effect.
- Dense, lush growth
- Thrives in shade
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor use
Selection and Planting Tips
When selecting ground cover plants, consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels in your garden. Proper planting and maintenance ensure that these plants effectively cover the ground and enhance your garden's appeal:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Amend it if necessary to provide the ideal growing environment.
- Planting: Space plants according to their mature spread to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
- Watering: Establish young plants with regular watering until they are well-rooted.
- Maintenance: Regular pruning or trimming helps keep ground cover plants tidy and encourages healthy growth.
By selecting the right ground cover plants for your UK garden, you can craft a stunning and vibrant landscape that offers beauty throughout the year. These nine varieties provide a mix of colour, texture, and fragrance that complement any garden style.
